Howtoencourage

Saturday, March 6, 2010

As I shared at my local women's retreat about the layers in my struggles with empty nesting, little did I realize I was about to encounter another layer. A big layer.

I shared these words: 'I know God has been with me in the past so I can trust my future to Him as I begin a new layer of letting go—it’s always in layers—just like peeling an onion. I think I have it figured out and then there is another layer to deal with.'

How do we handle the stress of our adult sons and daughters when they come to us with problems of their own choices or the circumstances that life brings to all? I was searching for answers when I came across this eloquent, encouraging paragraph that describes more 'layers of letting go' and feel this is the answer that I can peacefully live with for now.

"Over several years,(of not getting relief from an adult daughter's problems) a beautiful detachment grew in their souls, not the detachment of not caring, but the detachment of gentleness. They would continue to believe that Jesus was with them in this darkness that seemed to have no coming dawn. All their fear, anger, love, and hurt they would give to God. They would learn as the writer of Lamentations advised, to wait in silence." Sally Breedlove, Choosing Rest

Although this is incredibly difficult, I will choose daily to live with more 'layers of letting go' and let God do His work in all of our lives.

About Me

My world needs healing words, inspiring words, caring words--I want to know the right words to say.
Thus a lifetime of learning and how to encourage became my purpose and my story.
I found out:
I can impact a life in a positive way.
I can encourage people to persevere in difficult life situations. You can too!
We can make a difference in one another's lives.
My husband and I are still married, after 35 years of starting and owning several successful small businesses together. I have a degree in retail merchandising, am a human resource manager, advertising manager and janitor. I have been an employer and employee. I have been a counselee and counseled.
I love to volunteer in my church and community, encouraging women and children. I am a big fan of whoever said, 'volunteering is the rent you pay to live in community,' knowing that lifestyle comes from a giving and generous heart.
My greatest accomplishment is being mom to five of the most fabulous human beings in the world, my two daughters, son and sons-in-law are amazing; just ask me!